I have a few days worth of stuff to share since I've been bad and have not been writing. Nothing too exciting to report, just some good relaxing fun. I needed a break from all the excitement last week after the big wallet fiasco. So, I'm happy to share some mellow, boring stuff today. On Thursday I spent the day checking out The Bund on the PuDong side of the river. It was a rainy day but I still enjoyed myself and took some pictures. I had a great lunch at this place called Element Fresh. You would all love it. It is Western style food and everything is clean and fresh. great salads and sandwiches. You pay a little extra for that kind of atmosphere and food here but to me, it's worth it. I also like to go there because of their bathrooms. They actually have toilet paper and soap! It is a rare deal in China to find just one of those things, so to find both in one bathroom is like finding a little bit of heaven.

Friday I met my Buffalo pal, Melisa and we went to lunch and then got some fun pedicures at this cool place called Dashing Divas

. It was all pink and girly. I guess it is a popular salon with locations all over the globe. They have stores in the USA too. They have a bunch in NYC too! I highly recommend it!

Friday night Ryan and I went to this Chinese place called Crystal Jade for dinner. It was very good. Then we had a couple drinks in XinTian Di. XinTian Di is this very cool, but very expensive area of Puxi. It is targeted toward rich ex-pats and you feel like you are in Europe when you are there. I have included a couple pics of the area. It is a couple square blocks of restaurants, bars and boutiques. One drink is usually around 10-12 US dollars. Crazy prices.

Saturday, Ryan and I went to the Shanghai Aquarium. It is a beautiful, modern aquarium and if there had not been about 2 million pushing, shouting Chinese people there with us we might have really enjoyed it. Check out the pics of the tunnels we had to go through. You stood on a moving walkway that took you down these cool tunnels full of fishies. Trouble was, there were so many people shouting, pushing and pointing I was having a hard time remaining calm and spent most of the time taking deep breaths so as not to hyperventilate or have a panic attack. No, seriously, I was fine. Actually, I am getting much better at dealing with the loud crowds. Trying to see the exhibits was another story. One little old lady literally elbowed me out of her way so she could see the alligators. Pretty funny really.

On our cab ride to dinner later that night we saw an extraordinary site. I have seen many things in China and in Japan but this one may have taken the cake.

As we were driving along a packed, chaotic Shanghai street going around 35 miles per hour(They drive crazy here but not too fast. I think this is the only reason there are not accidents constantly. It is kind of like a giant game of bumper cars but without actually bumping. Well, at least no bumping yet.) So, anyway...we look out our window to the right and see a man and woman on a scooter. They are cruising along, zigzagging around pedestrians, giant holes in the road, taxis, you name it. The amazing thing was this woman on the back of the scooter had out a make-up mirror and I thought, wow, she is actually applying make-up on the back of a scooter while driving through rush hour traffic in Shanghai. I was impressed. Then, I realized what she was applying...it was not lipstick or a little powder to her nose. She was actually applying mascara!!! Yes, mascara to her eyelashes while sitting on the back of a moving scooter. Now, I have to say, that is one hell of a woman! Oh, and I am quite sure she was wearing three inch heels to boot!

So, Sunday we had a very relaxing day. We got some reading in, walked, watched a movie. A usual lazy Sunday. Ryan is back to work today and I will try to figure out something to do worth writing about. Hope this one was not too boring. Till next time!Michele